Reverse Tour of Tianjin: The Zen and Relaxation Hidden in the Millennium-Old Dule Temple, Avoid the Crowds and Enjoy Tranquility

Reverse Tour of Tianjin: The Zen and Relaxation Hidden in the Millennium-Old Dule Temple, Avoid the Crowds and Enjoy Tranquility

After exploring the Five Great Avenues and Italian Style Street in downtown Tianjin, if there’s one unforgettable hidden gem, it has to be Jizhou’s Dule Temple—I’m visiting for the third time on purpose. Tianjin is not just about Goubuli buns and Jianbing; this ancient temple nestled at the foot of the Yanshan Mountains in northern Jizhou holds rare serenity and profound history. Don’t want to be squeezed in popular tourist spots during your holiday? This 3-day, 2-night Jizhou itinerary centered around Dule Temple will help you unlock another side of Tianjin~

🚗 Transportation Guide

- High-speed rail: Take the high-speed train from Tianjin Station/Tianjin West Station to Jizhou North Station, then a 20-minute taxi ride to Dule Temple
- Self-driving: About 1.5 hours from downtown Tianjin, about 2 hours from Beijing, with beautiful scenery along the way

🗺️ 3-Day, 2-Night Holiday Highlights Route
Day 1: Departure → Jizhou City → Dule Temple → Baita Temple
Day 2: Huangyaguan Great Wall → Panshan Back Mountain Trail
Day 3: Limutai Natural Scenic Area → Return trip

🌟 Must-Visit Core: Dule Temple

- 🕌 Guanyin Pavilion: The oldest existing multi-story wooden structure in China, standing for a millennium without a single nail or bolt! Inside is a 16-meter-tall Liao Dynasty Guanyin statue that is breathtaking, with the visible dougong bracket structure hailed as an "ancient architectural miracle." The hall’s dappled light creates a deeply Zen atmosphere.
- 🚪 Shanmen Gate: A classic Liao Dynasty building, the "Dule Temple" plaque is said to be written by Yan Song. The imposing statues of the Heng and Ha Generals on both sides of the gate are full of intricate details.
- 🛕 Baita Temple: Located just across the street from Dule Temple, this Liao Dynasty brick pagoda with dense eaves features exquisite relief carvings. Climbing the pagoda offers panoramic views of old Jizhou city, perfect for photos.

Other Unmissable Attractions

- 🧱 Huangyaguan Great Wall: Known as the "Northern Stronghold of Jibei," it’s far less crowded than Badaling! Built along the mountains, the autumn red leaves complement the wall beautifully. The hiking difficulty is moderate, suitable for family outings.
- 🌳 Limutai Natural Scenic Area: The "Little Jiuzhaigou of the North," filled with canyons, streams, strange peaks, and rocks. In autumn, the forests are ablaze with color, the air is fresh, ideal for hiking, breathing deeply, and relaxing.

🏡 Hidden Gems (Fewer People, Beautiful Scenery!)

- Panshan Back Mountain Trail: Avoid the tourist groups on the front mountain; the back mountain trail is rarely visited. Along the way, ancient pines, mountain springs, and wild charm abound. The summit offers distant mountain views.
- Jizhou Ancient City Wall Ruins: A little-known spot tucked in a city corner, the ruins reveal the vicissitudes of history, perfect for friends who love cultural photography.

💡 Holiday Travel Tips

- It’s recommended to book Dule Temple tickets online in advance to avoid the small peak after 10 a.m.; early morning visits are more peaceful.
- Distances between Jizhou attractions are moderate; self-driving or renting a car is most convenient. Some scenic spots offer carpool options.
- Try local specialties: Jizhou Wantuo (a type of noodle), stewed chicken with mushrooms, reservoir fish, and Bangjun mutton soup in the city are also worth tasting.

This millennium-old temple hidden in Tianjin’s Jizhou has no noisy commercialization, only the weight of ancient architecture and the freshness of nature. If you don’t want to crowd popular spots during your holiday, come to Dule Temple to feel time slow down and find relaxation amid Zen and mountains and waters~